1. Leading Volunteers: Building Relationships and Managing Expectations
Melissa Wervey Arnold
CEO
Ohio Chapter,
American Academy of Pediatrics

2. Herding “bob”Cats

3. Establish a Relationship
Their passion
Their time availability and commitment
Personalize the relationship; get to know them

4. Managing Expectations
Clearly define success
Realism vs. Dreams
Training to be a part of the team: “You don’t get drunk in your letters”

5. Set Goals and Objectives
Is it measurable?
Is it achievable?
Small pieces/goals can be more manageable
Small pieces come together to form a larger goal

6. Teamwork How do you make them a part of the team? No outsiders
If they aren’t part of the team, they are working against the team

7. Difficult Volunteers Rogue volunteers Over stepping their role
Ignore the “institutional” knowledge
Failing to respect other’s contributions
All talk – no action
Constantly disappointed in their role
Blaming others for their lack of involvement
Constant need for attention

8. Go Back to Steps 1 and 2 Relationships Expectations
Repeat, repeat, repeat

9. Recruitment of New Volunteers
Use current “good” volunteers to find new volunteers
Don’t ignore requests for new involvement
You are always “recruiting”

10. Thank Yous Always and often! Publicly Privately
Acknowledge achievements
Remember – a team “win” is another opportunity to thank your volunteers

11. The Importance of Working Together
If you want to go fast …
Go alone.
If you want to go far …
Go together!
- African Proverb

12. Questions? Contact information: